Synonyms

ripple effect

American

noun

a spreading effect or series of consequences caused by a single action or event.

ripple effect British

noun

the repercussions of an event or situation experienced far beyond its immediate location

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of ripple effect

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

ripple effect

The ripple effect could spread as far as the Western Isles where the defence research firm Qinetic has drone testing facilities on Benbecula and South Uist.

From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2026

The increase in oil prices has also affected diesel and fertilizer prices, creating a ripple effect through several sectors, including agriculture.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 28, 2026

Yates doesn’t believe Princeton’s decision will have a ripple effect.

From Barron's ● Jun. 10, 2026

He also notes a ripple effect to hiring new graduates who use AI: “A lot of anxiety” in midcareer workers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 19, 2026

“I just want to complete my original mission. That ripple effect he’s so worried about”—he pointed at JB jeeringly—“pah! You won’t even feel it!”

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023